2. Using a ball to pass around, or an egg timer to turn even the most dreary grammar drills into games or "competitions".

3. Doing a project that raises awareness of other children around the world- email pals, video conferencing, exchanging art or photos with another class of same aged kids on another continent, etc. How about a "Gift from Hong Kong" box of little things that the kids make and/or collect along with English explanations of each that the kids prepare to exchange with another group?

4. Take photos in class and use Polaroids on occasion for instant gratification and classroom fun- especially nice when the kids are working in groups. I did a project with Colombian 2nd graders (summer visitors to US), where each got a disposable camera to document their visit here. The first two weeks they took pictures. The second two weeks they created a book with text.

5. Give kids some "power" and choices. Let the kids take attendance, call the class to order, dismiss the class, sometimes chose between lesson alternatives, etc. Make it an honor to be chosen to "help the teacher", by giving them a badge for the day, or putting their name in a special frame for the day. Some of the kids were much stricter than I would have been! (Doesn't work after around 8 years old!)